Sarasota Neighborhoods - 14th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues

Love the Blues?

Last year in April I was in Mississippi at the Juke Joint Festival with my Mississippi Maes. My childhood friend, Francine Luckett's husband Bill owns Ground Zerio blues club with Morgan Freeman, and we were dancing on tables. This year I don't have to go so far to hear the "blues" since the 14th Annual Giving Hunger the Blues is from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm today in Southside Village on Hillview. All proceeds from this Sarasota Florida event will go to All Faiths Food Bank and PAL Sailor Circus. No table dancing for me but the street will be perfect!

Support your community and enjoy local musicians, area restaurants, and beverage vendors. Children will delight in the games, martial arts and dance demos. Okay, grownups will enjoy the games and performances too! For a list of performers or more information: www.5oclock.net.

Subscribe to our blog or read about Sarasota community events on visit our main website. If you are searching for the perfect Sarasota home and need to check out Sarasota neighborhoods, we show properties daily on mainland Sarasota and the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key, Florida.

St. Armands Real Estate - Sarasota, Florida

Real estate on St. Armands Circle is “hot.” Buyers from Europe are entering the market and scooping up some great buys. What a great location! The beach is two or three minutes from your home. You can walk to the Circle for a cup of morning coffee, go back for a swim in your pool and wander to lunch at a quaint café. Take a nap on the beach and then a quick shower before cocktails and dinner in downtown Sarasota after you’ve been to the opera. Sounds like a fairytale: it’s all here in Sarasota, Florida!

Some great streets to scope on St. Armands are: McKinley, Polk, Adams and Morningside. The Sarasota MLS currently reports homes for sale in the St. Armands and Lido areas in the $500,000s on these streets. We searched over 25 homes today priced from $575,000 to $11,300,000.

*St Armands Homes for Sale

Lowest Priced Home: $575,000
Highest Priced Home: $11,300,000
Average List Price: $2,768,433
Median List Price: $2,275,000

Drive around the Circle, park at Lido Beach and call Annette Smith for your St. Armands real estate needs. We show homes and condos on St. Armands and Lido Key regularly and are ready to assist you in the purchase of your Sarasota real estate. Call Annette at 941-504-3922 for a prompt reply.

*Pulled from Sarasota MLS data in Lido C, Lido Beach and St. Armands Subdivisions. We search Sarasota Florida real estate daily.

Sarasota Real Estate Market

Good morning from the sunny Sarasota real estate market. I took a drive over to Longboat Key early this morning to check on a condo for some owners and noticed lively activity on the downtown Bayfront as well as St. Armands Circle. I've been telling our blog readers for a few months now that our web traffic is up, as well as showings -- traffic in the area is up too!

Surfing the web this morning even Yahoo Finance pointed out that some real estate markets are heating up. Good things are starting to surface about the Sarasota real estate market:

it's a great time to buy: Interest rates are at historic lows, with high inventory levels, there's lots of choice, and prices are down.

Sarasota is no. 4 in overall cities searched for real estate. If you're on the fence and think now is the time to jump off and into our Sarasota real estate market, give us a call to show you homes and condos in one of South West Florida's most beautiful markets. Sarasota offers its residents sunshine, warm weather, beaches, waterfront activities and cultural venues similar to larger cities.

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced From $500,000-$700,000

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Available In Your Price Range

Real estate prices in Florida have dropped considerably in the last three years, and if you've been thinking of retiring to South West Florida, you may be pleasantly surprised at what golf course homes in Sarasota are available in country club communities between $500,000 and $700,000. Gated communities such as University Park, Laurel Oak Estates, the Oaks, and Prestancia offer outstanding community amenities as well as golf. Lakewood Ranch is another option -- a complete master planned community with dining, shopping on its Main Street and an active country club.

Some of the single family homes in University Park currently listed in the Sarasota MLS between $500,000 and $700,000 include a 2256 sq.ft. home built in 1995 to a home with over 2900 sq.ft. on a golf course/lake lot. In Laurel Oak Estates, buyers will find only 12 listings priced between $500,000 and $700,000. World-class golf, tennis and and a recently renovated Club House are some of the amenities available in this outstanding community located East of I-75.

Homes in the prestigious gated Oaks country club community, shown in Sarasota MLS data, that might be of interest include a 2600 sq.ft home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths offered at $521,200 and a Oaks Preserve home built in 2001 that is listed at $699,000 for over 3,800 sq.ft. Check with a Realtor in Sarasota for an appointment to view any of these homes.

If you are looking for a Sarasota golf course home, all of these communities are worth checking out and Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and is ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if South West Florida is your choice.

Sarasota Real Estate Stats Out for February 2009

The following press release was sent to local media today by the Mid-Florida Regional MLS. This is good news for the Sarasota area as buyers are definitely coming to view properties at great prices!!!!

Pending sales rise to highest level in three years in February 2009
Pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market once again rose in February 2009, hitting 782 - the highest level since April 2006, a three year period. According to statistics from the Mid-Florida Regional MLS for members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors®, 611 single family homes and 171 condominiums were reported under contract in February, almost 100 more than the 683 pending sales reported in January 2009, and 19 percent higher than the 654 pendings reported in February 2008.
Pending sales have now exceeded the 500 level for the 14th consecutive month, and the statistic bodes well for the next two or three months, when many of these pendings will become closed sales. Pending sales reflect contracts executed by buyers and sellers. The report continues to reflect a steady, strong pattern, and indicates buyers are more active in the Sarasota market even in the face of difficult economic times.
"We are encouraged by this statistic, and the word of mouth reports indicating an uptick in showings and offers," said 2009 SAR President Bill Geller. "Buyers are becoming even more aware of the many opportunities in the Sarasota market and are making offers and executing contracts. Local Realtors® are continuing to educate the public on our market, and this excellent chance to purchase a great home at a very attractive price, with interest rates at historic lows."
Overall, there were 354 sales closed in February, compared to 319 in January, for a 10 percent increase. The figure was lower than February 2008, when 418 properties changed hands. The breakdown was 260 single family homes sold, and 94 condominiums sold.
The recently enacted first-time homebuyers' tax credit of $8,000 should help spur sales to higher levels, Geller noted. Those who meet eligibility requirements and purchase a home this year prior to Dec. 1 are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, and unlike the 2008 tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid. This credit, combined with historically low interest rates should help encourage more homes sales, experts aree.
"Particularly for the first time homebuyer trying to purchase in the Sarasota market, this is an amazing time to realize the dream of home ownership," said Geller. "Affordable prices, combined with very low interest rates, plus the tax credit - you really haven't seen a better time to buy for decades." The median sale price for single family homes declined to $142,000 in February 2009 from $149,950 in January 2009 - a 5.3 percent decline.
The median sales price for condominiums fell to $198,000 in February 2009 from $220,000 in January 2009, for a 10 percent drop. These statistics appear to indicate the growing number of short sales and foreclosure sales in the market, which tend to impact the median sales prices more dramatically than the normal price trends. Another important market tracker - the absorption rate of properties on the market - continues to track lower than last year at this time for both single family homes and condominiums, as inventories have declined.
Absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire remaining listed inventory in a particular category, based upon the sales for that particular month.For February 2009, the absorption rate for single family homes stood at 24.1 months, compared to 25.3 months in January 2009, and compared to 29.6 months in February 2008. For condominiums, the absorption rate was at 28.5 months, compared to 38.4 months in January 2009, and much lower than the 44.0 months reported in February 2008.

 For Sarasota real estate information, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922. We show Sarasota properties daily.

Smooches for Pooches in Sarasota

There is always something "fun" going on in Southside Village. Friday night Sandy Whitehead and I went to Knick's Tavern to grab a quick burger and enjoyed a nice surprise. Southside Village hosted the Smooches for Pooches Stroll, and we had a ringside seat.

Have you ever wanted to go to the Westminster Dog show? Well, we felt like we were there. Dog breeds represented that we spotted were: Poodles, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Water Spaniels, Great Danes, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Austraian labradoodle, Yorkies, Irish Setters, Portuguese Water Dog, Weimaraners and even Newfoundlands and St. Bernards.

Sandy fell in love with Ollie, the goldendoodle, only 7 months old and rescued by the nice lady at Jeanine's Professional Dog Training's booth. Our table was right next to the booth, and we became instant admirers of beautiful Ollie. Snuffy, Sarasota's famous pooch, didn't attend. He was so heartbroken that I assured him he will be on next year's guest list.

Booths were set up all along Hillview and Osprey streets, and the turnout was superb! The Adoption Van and Pet Therapy Smooch a Pooch booth were onsite. This was the second annual stroll with proceeds going to the Sarasota Humane Society.

A good time was had by all and we were treated to meeting two llamas named Pete and Batman. The pictures didn't turn out too great as they were taken with my Blackberry but I'm posting them anyway.

Contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or Sandy Whitehead at 941-928-3435 if you are interested in homes West of the Trail near Southside Village and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. We show homes for sale in the area regularly.

Financing Options for Buying a Sarasota Home

Need some financing options for buying a Sarasota home?

Bruce Garlitz of Countrywide Home Loans stopped by our office with some interesting options for financing your real estate purchase. If you are thinking of buying a Sarasota home and are short on cash for a down payment, you might consider an FHA loan as a solution to your mortgage needs. Bruce explained the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to us too while we munched on a delicious lunch. Thanks Bruce -- lunch and the information were excellent.

FHA loans were popular many years ago, and now they making a comeback for primary homeowners and first time buyers. Give Bruce a call for the Guidelines or shoot us an email. You can contact Bruce at bruce_garlitz@countrywide.com.

For information on Sarasota homes for sale, email Annette for detailed sheets from the Sarasota MLS on homes that match your criteria. Search our IDX database for any Sarasota County home.

Downtown Sarasota Condos Update

In our December, 2008 report on downtown Sarasota condos, we shared information we pulled for a customer from current MLS listings in 1350 Main, Tessera, Beau Ciel, Plaza at Five Points, and Grande Riviera. Downtown Sarasota remains one of the areas we are asked about each day. Buyers moving into Sarasota want to economize by living, working and playing in the same locale.

In this report, we have added One Hundred Central and Sarabande as we have had many calls in the last two months for these downtown Sarasota condos too.

Downtown Sarasota Condos UPDATE - February 27, 2008

1350 Main

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2007
Active: 21
Pending: None
*Sold: 3
Price Ranges: $339,900-$1,595,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

Beau Ciel

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2003
Active: 10
Pending: None
*Sold: 2
Price Range: $1,095,000-$8,500,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Grande Riviera:

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 2
Pending: None
*Sold: None
Price Range: $3,750,000-$5,950,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

One Hundered Central

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 5
Pending: 1
*Sold: None
Price Range: $389,000-$995,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Plaza at Five Points

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 5
Pending: None
Price Range: $749,000-$2,999,999
*Sold: None
**Pets Permitted: Yes

Sarabande

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 1998
Active: 2
Pending: None
*Sold: 1
Price Range: $1,495,000-$1,600,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Tessera

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2000
Active: 5
Pending: None
*Sold: 2
Price Range: $993,000-$4,995,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

All of these downtown Sarasota condos buildings are within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, galleries, downtown bayfront and many cultural activities of Sarasota Florida.

If you are searching for a condo downtown or any other Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith for listings, photo galleries, showings, and virtual tours. These sellers are wanting offers on these listings. If you think the market is going down another 25%, write your offer and factor in a reduction in the market -- just write the offer. You might be surprised to find a seller who will work with you.

*Sold data is pulled MLS report of the last six months. Appraisers use comparables of properties sold in the last six months. See our downtown Sarasota condo report for December 2008.
**Check with your Sarasota real estate agent regarding pet restrictions

Siesta Key's Blase Cafe Fun Dining Scene

Bring Your Camera to Blasé Café on Siesta Key

For a fun night of dining amid a fun atmosphere, try Siesta Key's Blasé Café. The Blasé Café has been around since 1997. Cindy, the owner, has created an eclectic fun atmosphere in this hot island spot. My first visit was in 2000 with friends who live on Siesta Key. At that time, the Blasé was a tiny 2 room establishment with an outdoor deck with extra seating.

Through the years, Blasé Cafe has added a bar and then took over an adjoining business and knocked out some walls to add a larger bar and additional seating inside. Cindy’s love of flare has added to a unique atmosphere and her love of fine food and service has provided an excellent dining opportunity for Siesta Key residents and visitors.

Last Friday, my friend and former customer, Claudia Eklund called me to meet her and her friend Gayle at the Blasé. Since the weather was a little nippy, we were seated at a wonderful corner table where we could leisurely sip our wine, chat about their visit to Siesta Key and, of course, talk about what’s for sale in the Siesta Key real estate market, our kids and the Pinot Noir.

Gayle had the featured grouper with garlic, tomatoes, olives and capers. She said it was excellent. The garlic certainly smelled delicious. Claudia and I opted for the filet mignon with gorgonzola. It’s my favorite at the Blasé and comes with mashed potatoes and fresh sautéed spinach. I order the filet every time!

Ralph, the chef stopped by our table for a second and posed for a picture with Claudia and Gayle. I reminded Ralph that I met him and Cindy many years ago with other friends when he and Cindy were beginning to expand the restaurant. He gallantly pointed to Cindy working elegantly across the room at the bar with pride.

If you’re looking for a fun dining experience along with beautifully prepared food on Siesta Key, try the Blasé Café. Blasé Café is located at 5263 Ocean Blvd., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34242. There is an extensive list of Designer Martinis.

Tell Cindy and Ralph that Annette sent you for a Blasé evening! Or let’s look at some Siesta Key real estate. Give me a call at 941-504-3922.

Currently the Sarasota MLS reports over 200 homes on Siesta Key FL for sale priced from $239,000 to $17.5 million for a luxurious Siesta Key waterfront home. Some of the smaller “tear down” beach houses have been purchased for the land value alone. New owners quickly replace with updated homes or mini mansions. We can show you real estate in all Sarasota County or visit our websites and enter your parameters in our MLS search.

Sarasota Golf Course Community - Homes at the Oaks

The elegant Sarasota Golf Course Community of the Oaks is located on Hwy 41 in Osprey. Residents experience a sophisticated resort lifestyle in this golf course community in Sarasota County. Prices begin at $249,000 for a two bedroom, two bath single family townhouse with 1,890 sq.ft. The Sarasota MLS reports over 50 homes available currently in the community of the Oaks. A $1,092,000 Oaks' home built in 2000 could be perfect if you need at least 3800 sq.ft.. With 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 baths, this golf course home is just might catch your eye. Call or email Annette Smith to send listings in the Oaks directly to you if you are frustrated with searching on your own for a home in the Oaks.

The Oaks' amenities include: Gated community, golf course community, heated swimming pool and tennis courts.

If a Sarasota golf course home isn't your dream, maybe it's a Longboat Key condo for under $1 million at Seaplace. Call for more information on Longboat Key condos for sale or visit our websites and blogs for video tours of Sarasota, virtual tours of property, photo galleries and Sarasota community information.

Snuffy Smith Awaits the Super Bowl in Tampa

Got my seat for the game tonight, do you?


Well Snuffy Smith's heard about the Super Bowl in Tampa from all the TV he's been watching this week. It's on every channel and even Jeopardy, one of his favorite shows was cut on Friday night for Super Bowl coverage. Now I'm sure you are saying that this doggie doesn't watch TV -- yes, he does. Even my son noticed a few weeks ago. "Mom, I think Snuffy watches TV." I've been leaving the TV on for him when I go out to sell Sarasota real estate since he was a puppy. He watches CNBC all day so he is very in the know!

As you can see, Snuffy, Sarasota's famous pooch, has his spot and is ready for the kickoff. He's already previewed the commercials on Friday night. Sarasota's streets and restaurants have been very busy this week -- some due to regular seasonal visitors, snowbirds and also Super Bowlers!

Next week we'll be searching the Sarasota MLS and showing Sarasota real estate to our customers who have booked their appointments early. If you want us to show you property in Sarasota, please call us or email us as soon as you have made your travel plans. We get really busy this time of year. When it's cold where you live, is much warmer here. We will do our best to handle last minute calls. Send us an email for a prompt reply and enjoy the Super Bowl along with Snuffy Smith!

Positve Real Estate News for Sarasota

Nothing but the positive in 2009! Warm weather, sunshine and sensational sunsets!

Looking for some good real estate news? Check out these four communities - Sarasota, Florida; Greenville, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Los Angeles, California and read more about: Sarasota real estate news. Could be a turn in the works for some real estate markets. Send us your positive news about real estate in your city, let us know what's happening in your area!

Google Gadgets for Sarasota Real Estate

It seems like every day I log into my Google account and find another gadget. I've used the maps for driving directions for quite awhile although I never put the Google driving directions to my office on my website. Enjoy playing with the Google gadgets and get busy making your life and the driving of your friends and customers a lot easier.

Type in your start point below and then hit the "G" for directions to Allen Real Estate Services, Inc.



For more information on Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith at 9441-504-5035 or send me an email. I answer promptly!

Sarasota Condos Sale - Phillippi Landings

If you're looking for a deal on a Sarasota condo, the developers at Phillippi Landing in Sarasota, Florida sent out an email this week that they are offering 30-40% savings on remaining developer inventory. The ad said savings of "$200,000-$830,000." Park your boat at the docks behind these waterfront condos located on the Phillippi River near the gated community of the Landings and the Landings Shopping Center. Easy access to the Intracoastal.

The Sarasota MLS currently reports 18 active listings at Phillippi Landings with prices from $299,000 to $1,799,000. You can look at a two bedroom, two bath Sarasota condo with over 1,700 sq.ft or a designer ready penthouse with over 2,500 sq.ft. With 18 listings available, there are plenty of choices of feature in between. *There have been four sales in the last six months at prices from $240,000-$540,000.

**Pet allowed at Phillippi Landings.

Phillippi Landings is close to shopping, restaurants and professional services as well as the cultural amenities of downtown Sarasota.

Search for Sarasota condos or any other Sarasota Florida real estate on our sites or contact Annette Smith for info or to make an appointment to view Phillippi Landings.

*Sold data for condominiums is pulled from the Sarasota MLS report of the last six months. Appraisers use comparables of properties sold for the last six months.
**Check with your Sarasota real estate agent regarding pet restrictions

Lido Key Real Estate

Last week on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, a lovely couple from Orlando previewed some Lido Key real estate. It was the most beautiful day, and we scheduled showings from Southpoint Shores to the south end of Longboat Key zeroing in on several homes and condos on Lido Key, Florida.

Popular Condo Buildings on Lido Key

Orchid Beach Club
Lido Beach Club
The Beach Residences
St. Armands Towers

The Circle (St. Armands) was bustling with vacationers on holiday probably visiting families over the Christmas vacation or taking a break from the northern cold weather. The Colombia was just getting busy as we passed about 11:00 am. Returning from Longboat Key about 2:00 pm, you couldn't find a table.

St. Armands Circle is a shopping mecca with specialty shops, restaurants and cafes. You can find seashells, garden items as well as shoes and jewelry. Dine casual or fancy! St. Armands has it all.

If you are searching for Lido Key real estate, Annette Smith can be reached at 941-504-3922 and will return your call or email promptly!

Sarasota Video Tour Seen More Than 1000 Times on YouTube

Originally, posted on Sarasota Real Estate Blog by Annette Smith

I mentioned on my Active Rain blog this morning that I revamped a video CD that was an old slide show prepared by my graphic designer, Debbie Zaroba. The original CD was done about four years ago and four months ago, I took it apart, shortened the tour and now the short version has been seen more than 1000 times on YouTube. The Sarasota video tour is about 4 minutes and the longer version on my website and Active Rain blog is about 6 minutes.



If you aren't familiar with Sarasota, take our video tour and enjoy and discover Sarasota's barrier island of Siesta Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key Florida. You'll see why buyers plan to make South West Florida home.

For more information about Sarasota Florida real estate, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email. You'll get a prompt answer!

Ever Heard of the Embers, the Tams?

Yesterday, I wrote an article on my Active Rain blog about favorite beaches and the music of the Embers, the Drifters and the Tams asking what's your favorite beach music. It was fun to walk down memory lane and get comments from other bloggers about their favorite artists singing beach music through the years. Jan Chilton of Myrtle Beach, wrote how she was a real Embers groupie:

My little group of 60's hippies always went to North Myrtle Beach and Ocean Drive. There was shag music all around and I love it to this day, but none of us ever learned to shag...:-( In the 70's and early 80's I became an Embers groupie. I went all over the place in NC...). The Embers broke up, and now the only good part left is the Craig Woolard Band. He received the best male singer award in the National Beach Music Awards this year!
There's a new Embers group, which sounds nothing like the real ones. Jackie Gore just started a new band called the Legends of Beach. What a phenomenal voice he has!
Johnny Hopkins, who was my real crush back then,
is with some other band I wasn't even aware of till I just looked!
Anyway, much as I still love them, it makes me feel SOOOO old to see them now...

I told Jan, we are never too old to dance! Fran Vernon of California, of course, loved the Beach Boys.

On MySpace I added my favorite beach music a few days ago and now I can turn up the speakers and do a little shagging every day.

So do you like the music of The Embers, the Beach Boys, Buffett, or is there another group that comes to mind.

If you go to Siesta Key beach, what's your favorite beach music? Maybe you like Longboat better so what's on your Ipod? The self-portrait toes in the sand are mine on some Casey Key real estate.

For more information about Sarasota FL real estate and its beaches of Siesta Key and Longboat Key, contact Annette Smith.

Downtown Sarasota Condos Update

A customer from up North called yesterday about downtown Sarasota condos. He wanted me to send him the current MLS listings in Tessera, Beau Ciel, Plaza at Five Points, 1350 Main and Grande Riviera specifically. Since I pulled the information, I thought I would share it.

Downtown Sarasota Condos UPDATE

Tessera

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2000
Active: 4
Pending: None
*Sold: 1
Price Range: $1,180,000-$5,950,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Beau Ciel

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2003
Active: 10
Pending: None
*Sold: 3
Price Range: $1,295,000-$8,500,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Plaza at Five Points

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 5
Pending: None
Price Range: $749,000-$2,999,999
*Sold: 1
**Pets Permitted: Yes

1350 Main

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2007
Active: 19
Pending: 1
*Sold: 4
Price Ranges: $349,900-$1,695,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

Grande Riviera:

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 2
Pending: None
*Sold: None
Price Range: $2,595,000-$3,950,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

All of these downtown Sarasota condos buildings are located close to shopping, restaurants, galleries, downtown bayfront and the cultural venues of Sarasota Florida.

If you are searching for downtown or any other Sarasota Florida real estate, contact Annette Smith for photo galleries, listings, and virtual tours.

*Sold data is pulled MLS report of the last six months. Appraisers use comparables of properties sold in the last six months.
**Check with your Sarasota real estate agent regarding pet restrictions

Sarasota Real Estate Just Reduced

If you're in the market for Sarasota real estate and want a Gulf to Bay property, there are great reductions on Casey Key. The value is in the land for some of these properties.

New owners can possibly enjoy a beach cabanas on the Gulf and on the Bay side a boat dock on some of the area's best boating water.

Take a break from football today and search Sarasota FL real estate before seasonal buyers arrive. Call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 for a listing appointment or with help searching real estate in Sarasota.

Shopping in Sarasota FL

In our blog article yesterday, we mentioned Sarasota's best shopping spot, St. Armands Circle. Coastal Living Magazine's online site, points to Sarasota shopping hot spots on the Circle citing "paths lead to stores with rare jewelry, designer clothing, and gourmet treats. Shoppers find familiar names such as Lilly Pulitzer, and surprising boutiques such as Cuddlebugs, which sells children’s clothing and toys."

Coastal Living's Favorite Stores on St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Gifts and Winery

Scoopdaddy's

Optional Fine Art Jewelry

Dream Weaver Collection

Sports Edition Gallery

Wet Noses


If you are interested in Sarasota shopping, check out our recommendations. Excellent cafes and restaurants are plentiful on St. Armands Circle and hotel accommodations on Lido Key or mainland Sarasota are located close to the Circle.

Contact Annette Smith for all Sarasota FL real estate.